#366 Christmas Traditions in the USA 2025

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Hey there! Welcome back to the podcast. I'm really happy you're here today. Christmas is a special time in the United States. But here's something interesting: people don't celebrate Christmas the same way everywhere. In today's episode, let's look at some fun and unusual Christmas traditions from different parts of the USA. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/366-christmas-traditions-in-the-usa-2025/

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode of the Speak English Now podcast—the podcast that helps you speak English fluently, with no grammar and no textbooks. This is the second episode in our 4-part series on going to the doctor. In the last episode, we practiced how to make an appointment on the phone. Today, we will look at what happens when you actually arrive at the clinic. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/365-going-to-the-doctor-2-checking-in-at-the-clinic/

Today we're beginning a new series—four episodes designed to prepare you for going to the doctor. Why this topic? Well, the truth is simple. At some point, whether you live abroad, travel, or study in another country, you will need medical care. And the very first step is usually the same: booking an appointment. Making that call can feel stressful, especially if you're not confident speaking English on the phone. Don't worry. I'll show you the most useful expressions, share some realistic dialogues, and at the end, we'll practice with a Point of View story so you can really start speaking more automatically. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/364-going-to-the-doctor-making-an-appointment/

Hi! This week is a bit special because it is Black Friday and all my courses have a 60% discount only until Sunday!! I've received several messages with questions about the courses. In this short episode, I'm gonna try to answer some frequently asked questions. By the way, you can get the deal at: speakenglishpodcast.com/blackfriday

Tom (Being serious): Hey, do we have to send thank you notes to everyone we've ever met for Thanksgiving? James (Laughing): Oh no, it's not like that! Thanksgiving is more about enjoying turkey and pie with family and friends, not writing thank you notes to everyone!  Hi! Welcome to a special podcast about Thanksgiving! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I want to tell you about Thanksgiving.  Before we start, get the transcript of this episode for free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast 

This is the fourth and final episode in our pronunciation series. In the first episode, we practiced R and L. In the second, we worked on the TH sound. In the third, we practiced V and B. And today, we will practice the difference between SH and CH. These sounds look similar, but they are not the same. For example: ship and chip. So let's practice with some minimal pairs, some fun tongue twisters, and finally a mini-story. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/362-english-pronunciation-practice-sh-and-ch-sounds/

This is the third episode in our pronunciation series. In the first episode, we practiced R and L. In the second one, we worked on the TH sound. And today, we'll practice the difference between V and B. These sounds can be very tricky, because in some languages there isn't much difference between them. But in English, they are very different. So today, we'll warm up with some minimal pairs, then practice with simple sentences, and finally we'll do a mini-story. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/361-english-pronunciation-practice-the-v-and-b-sounds/

Today, we'll practice one of the trickiest sounds in English: the TH sound. Actually, English has two TH sounds: The voiceless /θ/, like in think, thank, thirty. The voiced /ð/, like in this, that, brother. Many students replace them with t, d, s, or z. For example: They say tank you instead of thank you. Or zis instead of this. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/360-english-pronunciation-practice-the-th-sound/

This is the first episode in a special pronunciation series. We'll do four episodes in a row, each one focused on different sounds. In this first episode, we'll work on R and L. Next time, we'll practice the TH sound. Then, we'll look at V and B. And finally, we'll practice SH and CH. So, step by step, you'll train your pronunciation with word pairs, tongue twisters, and fun mini-stories. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/  

This is the first episode in a special pronunciation series. We’ll do four episodes in a row, each one focused on different sounds. In this first episode, we’ll work on R and L. Next time, we’ll practice the TH sound. Then, we’ll look at V and B. And finally, we’ll practice SH and CH. So, step by step, you’ll train your pronunciation with word pairs, tongue twisters, and fun mini-stories. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/